Bharat SainiLast Updated on March 15, 2023 by Bharat Saini
A driveway is one of the first things people see when driving or walking up to a property. The choice of material improves kerb appeal, ensures it can withstand different conditions and determines its longevity. Choosing driveway materials is not as exciting as landscaping or other landscaping projects, but it significantly impacts the final look and utility of your landscaping. Below, we look at some of the most popular options.
Concrete
Concrete is created by blending cement, concrete aggregate, sand and water. Handymen then pour it into forms while wet so that it can cure. Cement is an excellent choice for two main reasons: durability and being low maintenance. It can also withstand extreme conditions, including high temperatures, and it complements different home looks and designs.
Cement can stain easily from oil and petroleum products, but it can be stained as it is mixed so this does not become a problem. Creating a concrete driveway is possible as a DIY project, although its labour-intensive installation leads many people to leave it to contractors.
Gravel
Gravel is the material of choice for rustic landscape and home styles. It is the least expensive option and does not require much labour. Its installation involves pouring the gravel and spreading it over a prepared and fattened surface.
The gravel is made out of crushed rocks or sorted aggregate. Individual pieces are between one and two inches across. Being as cheap as it is, it is also the best option for homes with long driveways where options like cement and asphalt would be too expensive.
Home and property owners can get gravel in different colours, and this colour depends on the type of rock available in your area. Crushed granite, limestone and river gravel are all popular choices due to the availability of these types of rocks.
A gravel driveway can be a fun DIY project. Although it is not difficult, as most of their work when creating one is raking the gravel, it can take a lot of time to complete. Although they require replenishment over time, gravel is inexpensive, making them a cost-effective option. Gravel driveways can last up to 100 years with regular maintenance.
Block Paving
Contractors use different types of man-made pavers, concrete blocks, and natural stone for paved driveways. The pavers used vary in size, design and colour, meaning you can get ones that match your home perfectly. Home and property owners can also choose different designs when choosing pavers. To see the options available and find one that fits your home and taste, you can contact companies who pave driveways Birmingham, and they will send over some ideas for your consideration.
Concrete pavers have become popular recently, but natural stone is still the preferred choice. Contractors can fill the joints between the pavers with mortar, but many fill them with aggregate or fine sand. Doing so allows the driveways to have better drainage.
Block pavers last for a very long time, and they are also easy to maintain. If one paver cracks, it can be replaced with another one easily because they are all individual units. The advantage here is that a homeowner does not have to repair the whole driveway like they would if it was made out of concrete or asphalt.
Asphalt
Asphalt consists of aggregate, sand and tar or bitumen, which acts as the binding agent. Asphalt is heated and then poured over a prepared gravel surface which gives asphalt driveways excellent drainage. The asphalt is then compacted and left to cure.
Asphalt is a cost-effective option for home and property owners who do not mind how it looks. If you opt for asphalt, know that site preparation will cost extra, but it is usually not too steep. An asphalt driveway can last up to 20 years, although homeowners can expand its lifespan through regular maintenance, including patching and sealing.
Asphalt is more susceptible to heat than other driveway materials. This is because of the tar or bitumen used as the binding agent, which can soften and become sticky when it is hot and can be damaged if a root grows underneath it.
Driveways not only make accessing a home or property easier, but they also make it more attractive to buyers if an owner thinks about selling in the future. The choice of material for one is crucial as it will determine how it looks, what maintenance it needs and how long it will last.
